Forgotten development projects haunt Gorakh Hills

HYDERABAD: The entertainment starved people of Sindh have taken to calling Gorakh Hills their ‘Muree’, though the barren hills lack green trees, bazaars, hotels and restaurants. In the past few years the hills have received a small share of tourists who escape city life to breath in the clean air of the rocky Krithar Range.

But a lack of interest at the part of the government and massive corruption has deprived this picturesque tourist spot the attention it deserves.

The roads need repair, donkeys have occupied police check posts, and there are no trees for shade.

In 2008, when the Pakistan People’s Party first thought of developing this area as a tourist spot, billions of rupees were earmarked for planting trees. Another Rs 500 million were earmarked for construction of roads. All of these funds have either not been released or have been pocketed by officials.

Tourists who often make an eight hour drive from Karachi are disappointed at the infrastructure of the area. “There is no food to buy. We were hoping for something better,” a tourist said.

Another said, “We appeal to the Sindh Government to improve infrastructure,” another said.

Two more feasibility reports have been launched to improve this spot. Among the many development plans approved, a chairlift project is on the cards.

The Gorakh Hills are situated at a height of 5000 feet above sea level.